BOSTON -- The Celtics are winning because they're a team. The Lakers are on their way to losing this series because it's Kobe Bryant versus the world.

Boston beat Los Angeles 92-86 in Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead as the Celtics again showed that simple math does indeed work. Five beats one every time.

Bryant was the only consistent Lakers threat and despite a heartfelt and brilliant effort from him no other Laker -- including Phil Jackson -- showed Bryant's smarts and resolve.

In fact, it would be nice if the old Zen Master earned his paycheck.

This is now the Celtics' series to lose. The series may not be over but the Lakers have yet to show they can beat this Boston team two straight times. SuperKobe or not the chances of that happening against a Boston team that has figured out the Lakers are slim.

No, it's not over but that noise you hear in the background is champagne chilling in the Boston locker room.

Bryant scored 38 points. The other four Lakers starters had 34 points combined.